At age 37, I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I was not overweight, ate a very healthy diet that includes lots of vegetables, lean protein, and some whole grains. I ran 35 miles per week and lifted weights 2 days per week. I did not fit the typical Type 2 diabetes protocol. After my 2nd child was born, I was unable to lose the last 10 pounds no matter what I did. I spoke with my gynecologist about it and he told me to simply, “run more miles”. I was excessively thirsty, urinated frequently, and was exhausted by 6 pm. For 3 years I asked several different doctors to test me for diabetes. Since I didn’t fit “the profile”, none of them would do anything other than a finger prick. It was always in a normal range. I began checking my own blood sugar and found it to be low. I went back to my GP with my numbers, thinking that I was hypoglycemic. He sent me to an endocrinologist who did some more extensive tests. The lab tests showed that I was diabetic. The doctor told me to keep doing what I was doing with exercise and eating healthy and that I would be on diabetes meds in 20 years or so. I was heartbroken and dismayed. How could I be diabetic? That was the comment everyone made when I told them about the diagnosis.
Being a proactive woman, especially when it comes to my health, I decided to tackle diabetes, live a normal life, protect my long-term health and prevent many diseases that develop as a result of being diabetic. I took medication for one year at the recommendation of my endocrinologist but later stopped taking it. By adhering to the recommendations below, I am able to manage my blood sugar and keep it in a non-diabetic range without medication. Â Here is what I do, and what I recommend to my clients and anyone who will listen:
- You can live a vibrant life with diabetes and not allow it to control you
- Diabetes is not a death sentence
- You control your numbers through eating right, exercising, and supplementation(Shaklee’s Glucose Regulation Complex)
- You can control your blood sugar naturally without medication, depending on your individual situation
Daily Habits for Managing Blood Sugar
- exercise(cardio) at least 4-5 days per week; walking 30 minutes at a quick pace can lower your blood sugar as well
- lose weight if weight is a factor in your diagnosis
- weight lifting is very beneficial, especially lifting heavier weights to lower blood sugar
- eat a low carb diet
- Stevia and Swerve are safe sweeteners for diabetics
- choose low glycemic foods: monitor your blood sugar after everything you eat to see how it affects your body personally
- portion control is critical; overeating can raise blood sugar
- eat 3 meals per day that include 3-4 ounces of protein and one small protein dense snack between lunch and dinner(protein amounts vary based on weight and gender)
- fiber is essential to prevent a spike in blood sugar
- avoid processed foods